PRINCIPAL’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

• PRINCIPAL’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

• EDITOR’S NOTE

• LONG SERVICE AWARDS

• CHRISTMAS PARTY IN PICTURES

• WORLD FOOD DAY COMMEMORATION

• PROF. AYENSU URGED THE 2013 GRADUATES

TO BETTER THE CONTINENT

• BCA CHARITY CLUB AT PILIKWE PRIMARY SCHOOL

• BCA TRANSFORMS INTO A UNIVERSITY

• BDF DELEGATES TOUR BCA

• CSP HOSTS THE SASSCAL CONFERENCE

• MRS. KWELAGOBE RETIRES

• MITI 2013 GRADUATION CEREMONY

I wish to thank you all, for having supported me throughout my turner as the Acting Principal of BCA for the past seven months, I would like to say that I have truly learnt a great deal from this experience; that patience is indeed a virtue; that perseverance pays and sometimes certain decisions are unpopular but have to be made, from a purely professional point of view.

I am aware that during this time I have made many enemies and friends. However, for those whose paths I have crossed

negatively, I urge you to understand that those responsibilities came with the Office.

I also wish to inform you that I will no longer be the Acting Principal with effect from 1st January 2014, as I will be returning to my substantive post of Finance Manager. I wish to urge all of you to please give the same support to Dr. Mataba Tapela as he will be taking over the post of Acting Principal from 1st January 2014.

“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything

is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein

December 2013

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Our VisionTo be an agricultural University of international repute.

Our MissionTo produce quality graduates for the agricultural sector through innovative teaching and research.

ONKGOPOTSE MORERIPublic Relations Manager

EDITORIAL TEAM

Nonofo Makabe Keabetswe Jim

It is yet another year end! I am not too sure if I could attest to it having gone by too quickly or slowly… but I assume the bottom line is that, we are all very tired and definitely looking forward to the festive mood!

But in reflecting back…the year was definitely full of challenges, but I believe we have all succumbed. It is with no doubt that every year we look forward to better days ahead, but one thing we should not forget is to thank the Almighty, for having protected us.

As BCA, we have a lot to be grateful for better days are here as we are now officially a University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which means we look forward to the upcoming growth in terms of our programmes, student and staff capacities. I wish not to say much, only that, let us wait and see what the year 2014 has in store for us.

I wish you all, a Merry Christmas and Happy New year!!

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BCA TRANSFORMS INTO A UNIVERSITY

Botswana College of Agriculture was initiated in 1959 as Mahalapye Agricultural Centre. It was relocated to Sebele in 1967 and renamed the Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA).

In 1991 it was transformed into a parastatal under the Ministry of Agriculture and also as an Associate Institute of the University of Botswana (UB). Hence on November 5th 2013, BCA in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture hosted the Ministerial delegation, which had specifically come to announce the BCA change of status.

As the College transforms into a University, it will unlock new opportunities, as the incipient institution should be able to accommodate 5,000 students annually in its programmes as opposed to its current capacity of 1500 students. This will reportedly be in line with increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio to 17% by 2016 as recommended by the Tertiary Education Policy.

In his welcome note the Assistant Minister of Agriculture Hon. Oreeditse Molebatsi said, “BCA as a University will have its own governing and operational structures such as the Senate, Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, academic and support staff and so on. The new university will have its own academic seal and qualifications as opposed to those from the University of Botswana as it has been operating.

The new university will have easier access to membership to academic networks and associations such as the Association of African Networks and Associations such as the Association of African Universities and African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions whose membership is strictly reserved for universities only.

And finally he mentioned that, “When fully transformed, the University will have a number of faculties which will offer demand driven programmes in agriculture, natural resources and related disciplines in the entire value chain.”

Hon. Assistant Minister Oreeditse Molebatsi officially announcing the new college status Prof. F. Pule-Meulenburg giving Vote of Thanks

MC: Dr. Mataba Tapela

BCA Governing Council Chairman Dr. M. C. Chimbombi

BCA Staff

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BCA VISIBLE AT WORLD FOOD DAY COMMEMORATION

Agricultural practitioners across the nation converged at Tonota Molapo Farms and joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World Food Day. As a stakeholder of the Ministry of Agriculture, Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA) took part in this year’s commemoration themed, “Sustainable Food System for Food Security and Nutrition.” The College representatives enlightened the elated audience on services offered that could help them better their agricultural output.

Euphoric as they were, however, most of the audience being the College alumni expressed disappointment at lack of access of their former lecturer’s published work. However they were made aware that the library is working on an institutional repository (IR) which is going to be a portal for all the intellectual property of the Botswana College of Agriculture and this will be accessible through the internet. The alumni pointed out that they have noticed that BCA is lacking behind in the number of Batswana academic staff promoted to the ranks of full Professors.

Officiating at the event was the Vice President, Dr. Ponatshego Kedikilwe who highlighted that due to global warming, there was an increased outbreak of pests and diseases which impact

negatively on agricultural production. He further stressed the effects of high temperatures, “The nutrition of the soil is also affected by the disappearance of nitrogen due to the high temperatures and reduction of vegetative yields, both in cultivated and range lands, further compounding the challenge of production.” Mr. David Tibe, country representative for Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) said that the availability of food does not automatically translate into good health. Mr. Tibe further said that statistics have indicated that 165 million children under the age of five (5) in the world are malnourished and will never reach their full physical and cognitive potential.

Ms. M. Matenge the cohost of the event expressed her appreciation to some of the good access roads in Botswana that lead to farms and appealed to the government to make all roads to farms more suitable to cater for farm produce transportation to the market without being exposed to damages. Excursions were made to the surrounding horticultural projects and the Vice President urged farmers to adopt improved methods and technologies that will attain substantial increase of yields. BCA was represented by Mr. Bagai Bagai, Mrs. Segopotso Mimmie Moses (both from library), Mr. Keabetswe Jim (PRO) and Mr. Mpho Tlawele (driver).

Library officers: Mrs. Moses and Mr. Bagai manning the store

Tonota residents flocking the BCA stall

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LONG SERVICE AWARDS

Friday 6th December 2013, was an evening filled with many exciting activities! In his key note address, the Acting Principal Mr. D.L Monametsi announced that this year’s award ceremony was the first of its kind, a combination of the staff awards and the X-Mas party. He said this presents itself as a cost effective measure, as well as an efficient use of time and finally that this change in style is the best way of “using less to gain more”

This year’s long service awardees were as follows; 3 awardees having served for 35yrs; 3 for 30yrs; 4 for 25yrs; 7 for 20yrs; 4 for 15yrs and 23 for 10yrs.“Some of the awardees here today,

who have survived for 25yrs and above, have transformed with this institution from its era as BAC to BCA and now to UANR (University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He jokingly mentioned that some of them already possess a wealth of transformation culture and because they are now veterans at this transformation process, they will assist BCA in transforming into UANR.He mentioned that other organizations have long service, merit and good conduct awards. “I hope that our awards are not only based on long service, I also hope that good conduct is taken into consideration, when we award BCA employees”.

Acting Principal, Mr. D. L. Monametsi

Mr. K. Mogotsi receiving his award

Dr. J. Lepetu receiving her award

Mr. S. Seitshiro receiving his award

Ms. B. Mmopi receiving her award

Mrs. K. Kwelagobe receiving her award

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BCA CHARITY CLUB DONATES TO THE ORPHANS & NEEDY AT PILIKWE PRIMARY SCHOOL

The BCA Charity Club joined hands with Pilikwe Primary School as they celebrated the “Orphan and Needy Gift Party” on the 7th November 2013 at Pilikwe Primary School. This event is celebrated every year towards the end of the year, and once again the BCA Charity Club had the opportunity to take part in it, where they donated gift bags with toiletries.

The event was a fun filled day with activities like racing, traditional dance and school choir performances and poetry. The donations were handed over to the beneficiaries by the Pilikwe Headman, Kgosi Bokopano Koodibetse, who had earlier on, in his welcome remarks, encouraged the parents and Pilikwe community to always come in large numbers to witness this joyous event and to also show their support.

Students doing the orange race

Pilikwe Primary students

Pilikwe Primary School Choir

Club Secretary Mr. Mabe

Mr. S. Gaamangwe giving out presents

Kgosi Bokobano Keodibetse giving presents

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BDF DELEGATES TOUR BCA

In its quest to provide quality, basic and advanced military education for the Botswana Defence Force officers, the Force Training Establishment joined hands with the Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA) by organizing an Educational Tour within BCA on the 14th November 2013.

The Force Training Establishment had been currently conducting a Warrant Officers course, with a total number of 35 students, accompanied by 5 Directing Staff. The purpose of

the tour was for the students to learn about the operations and management of BCA.

With the help of a detailed and informative presentation by the Deputy Dean, Dr Tapela, the Warrant Officers were undeniably pleased as it was interpreted by the type of questions and comments they shared. The officers were later on taken for a tour at the Poultry and Pigpen, as well as the goats ‘kraal.

BDF Delegates

BDF Delegates listening attentively

Dr. Tapela giving a presentation

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PROF. AYENSU URGED THE 2013 GRADUATES TO BETTER THE CONTINENT

Guest Speaker at this year’s joint graduation ceremony of the University of Botswana (UB) and Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA) held on October 12, Ghanaian academic and international development advisor on science, technology and economic development, Prof. Edward Ayensu advised the class of 2013 to use their acquired skills to improve Africa’s wellbeing.

Prof. Ayensu mentioned that the most important resource which the continent possesses is its trained and highly qualified human resources, but he further highlighted that “…since we

became politically independent some 50 plus years ago, only a few countries on the continent have made tremendous strides on the education front. The rest of our countries have not done enough to improve the development of our human resources, especially that of our women.”

In his speech, the UB Vice-Chancellor of UB Professor, Thabo Fako said, “What those who are graduating have acquired is not just their individual gain, but it is for the greater good of humanity. During your studies, you not only gained knowledge, but you have acquired skills, values, attributes, credentials and a network of relationships, that will give you access to many opportunities; including access to influence and access to leadership.

Chairman of BCA Governing Council, Dr. M. C. Chimbombi, warned the new job seekers that they will find challenges in finding job spaces, he further said that only their attitude towards finding their dream job or self-employment is what will make a difference. “I urge you to make use of government programmes. We need fresh ideas from yourselves to diversify the economy from traditional economic drivers,” said Dr. Chimbombi who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture.

BCA awarded 7 Master’s Degree, 224 Bachelor Degree, 39 Higher Diploma certificates to various graduates whom acquired skills in various academic departments.

The event was graced, among others, by the Chancellor of the University, former President of Botswana, Sir Ketumile Masire, and the Chairman of the University of Botswana Council, Mr Parks Tafa.

Guest Speaker: Prof. Edward Ayensu

Graduates listening to the guest speaker’s speech UB Vice-Chancellor Prof. T. Fako awarding best students

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UB Vice-Chancellor Prof. T. Fako addressing graduates

UB Choir

The flag parade Graduates at the event

Graduates at the event

The VVIP’s

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CHRISTMAS PARTY IN PICTURES

The BCA and MITI staff danced the night away, in celebration of the end of 2013! It was a well-attended event indeed, and staff bonded and got to know each other in a more relaxed atmosphere

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CSP HOSTS THE SASSCAL CONFERENCE

Southern African Science Service Center for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) held a Climate Smart Emerging Crops and Food Security conference on the 14th of November 2013 at Botswana College of Agriculture, CICE Auditorium.

The conference was aimed at introducing research projects to various stakeholders and soliciting their input in selecting sites for sample collection. Currently the project deals with indigenous plants such as morama, mungongo, mogose and kgengwe as a means to enrich the project.

SASSCAL‘s objectives are to improve the regional capacity for knowledge-based decision making towards an efficient and sustainable resource management for societal & economic stability, poverty alleviation, disaster reduction, and robust and sustainable development by providing Regional Scientific Services addressing; the future trends of global change, the risks & vulnerability for & of societies and ecosystems and improved management of natural resources and ecosystem services.

SASSCAL is a regional project involving: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. Research thematic areas include; water, forestry, climate change and agriculture.

Guest Speakers Mr. S. Mpotokwane and Mr. F. Taylor

Participants listening to Dr. K. K. Mogotsi

Chairperson Mr. S. Major giving tokens of appreciation to guest speakers.

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MRS. KWELAGOBE RETIRES FROM BCA

After 25 years of service with the institution, Mrs. Kwelagobe, AKA Mma K, Mother K, said it was time to retire. Though still looking young and graceful, she said she needed to fulfill family obligations.

Staff contributed towards bidding Mma K farewell in a fashionable manner. Present at her the party was her family members, her children, and grandchildren. Both management and staff said kind word about Mma K, and were grateful for her diligent service and that she will be missed dearly.

Jokingly Mma K, said that she could still re apply for her position since it has been advertised. But her husband was totally against it and said he needed her to come home to Tonota.

Mma K. with her family

Mma K. with her husband Mrs. Mokgwathi, Dr. Tapela, Mr. Madimabe and Mokgale

Mrs. Onkgopotse Moreri dancing the night away

Ms. Tebele giving presents to Mma K.

The Braai Masters: Ms. Lesego and Mr. Kgaswe

The Kwelagobe family

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MITI 2013 GRADUATION CEREMONY

After a long journey to succeed, we all look forward to being rewarded! And likewise the students at Meat Industry Training Institute (MITI) are without a doubt no exception. They have all looked forward to this day and now that it has finally come, some could not even hide how ecstatic they are, as they smiled and grimed with joy.

Further words of encouragement by the CEO of BMC Dr. A. Tombale said “The abattoir market has set stringent requirements that are meant to ensure that only healthy and wholesome meat and meat products reach its consumers! Hence I am informed that it is against this background that the (MITI) was established

next to the BMC to train Meat Inspectors and Slaughterhouse personnel. Since the establishment of MITI, BMC has served as a training ground for MITI trainees. The trainees get attached to the BMC abattoir to get practical experience and augment the theory learnt in their classrooms.

The attachment also affords the trainees, and opportunity to observe and deal with a wider variety of health issues, that they would normally not encounter in a small-scale operation. That way, it gives assurance that immediately upon graduation; the graduates are well positioned to operate independently and with confidence.

Graduates

Guest of Honour: Dr. A. Tombale (BMC CEO) Prof. E. B. Khonga giving a present to best student

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STAFF MOVEMENTSNew Staff Appointment The following employees have joined the BCA Lobatse Campus, Meat Industry Training Institute (MITI)

• Dr Batatu Mazhani: Lecturer in Veterinary Microbiology, pensionable appointment effective 2 October 2013

• Prof Andrew Olatunbosun Aganga: Associate Professor in Veterinary Parasitology on a 2-year contract effective 1 November 2013

• Ms Kago Masego Morapedi: Artisan, pensionable appointment effective 1 November 2013

• Ms Omphile Patricia Tsapoga: Technician in Food Science, pensionable appointment effective 4 November 2013

• Ms Basadi Motlhabatlou: Technician in Laboratory Technology, pensionable appointment effective 11 November 2013

• Ms Boitshwaro Chamunongwa: Stores Controller, pensionable appointment effective 14 November 2013

Promotions• Mr Gabatshele Mbona Legwaila (CSP Department): promoted from the rank of Lecturer to Senior Lecturer effective 5

November 2013

• Dr Otsoseng Oagile (CSP Department): promoted from the rank of Lecturer to Senior Lecturer effective 5 November 2013

Re-categorization • Dr Kabelo Vulas Segobye (CSP Department): re-categorized from Assistant Tutor to Lecturer effective 2 October 2013

Retirement• Mr Molefe Molefe: retired as Senior Cook at the Student Kitchen on 31 October 2013

• Ms Gaomodimo Pitse: retired as Laundry Attendant on 13 November 2013

• Ms Kebone Helen Kwelagobe, Personal Assistant to the Principal: retiring from BCA service on 31 December 2013

Resignation• Mr Eric Nyakale Mogale, Chef (CICE): resigning from BCA service on 30 November 2013

• Ms Keitumetse Shirley Tamuhla, Librarian: resigning from BCA service on 31 January 2014

Study Leave• Mr Lawrence Akanyang, Lecturer (ASP Department): awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship for PhD in Range Ecology

at the University of Leeds. He has since been released for a 3-year study leave effective 1 November 2013.

Completion of Studies• Mr Moemedi Dikakanyo Legodimo, Senior Technician (ASP Department): successfully completed MSc in Animal Science

and was awarded the degree by the University of Botswana on 18 September 2013.

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COURSE TITLE WEEK FEB MAR APR JUNE JULY AUG SEPANIMAL PRODUCTION/ MANAGEMENT & FEEDING

Pig Production 1 10-14

Sustainable Dry Season Feeding 1 07-11

How to Establish a Dairy Production Unit 1 16-20

Dairy Herd Health and Milk Hygiene 1 04-08

Sheep and Goats Production/ Small Stock 1 17-21 08-12

Indigenous Chicken and Guinea Fowl Production 1 31st

March -04

Beef Production Management Systems 1 07-11

Broiler Chicken Production 1 14-18

Fish Farming and Management 1 24-28

Layer Chicken Production 1 11-15

Rabbit Production and Management 1 09-13

Fodder Production 1 03-07

Dairy Goat Production 1 23-27

AGRI BUSINESS

Business Proposal 1 07-11

How to Write a Proposal for Fund Sourcing/Resource Mobilization 1 23-27

Farm Records and Accounts 1 09-13

Marketing of Agricultural Products 1 16-20

Extension Techniques 1 09-13

CROP PRODUCTION & HORTICULTURE

Nursery Seedling and Tree Production 1 02-06

Vegetable Production 1 31st

March -04

Agro Chemicals Management 2 03-14 02-13

Introduction to Fruit Production 1 07-11

Chainsaw Operation and Management 1 16-20

Landscaping 1 03-07

Diagnosis and Management of Vegetable Pests and Diseases 1 03-07

Designing with Indoor Plants & Management 1 14-18

Flower Arrangement 1 10-14

Mushroom Production 1 23-27

Lawn Establishment & Management 1 04-08

Citrus Production 1 01-05

Beekeeping 1 11-15

Onion Production 1 07-11

SOIL, MACHINERY & MACHINERY

Borehole Sitting, Drilling, Equipment and Maintenance 1 03-07

Irrigation with Treated Waste Water 1 14-18

Design of Livestock & Poultry Housing Structures 1 09-13

Soil and Rainwater Management in Agriculture 1 24-28

Introduction to Irrigation Management and Scheduling 1 31st

March -04

GIS Applications in Agriculture, Natural Resources and EIA 1 17-21

Advanced Irrigation Management and Scheduling 1 01-05

Implementation of Irrigation Projects 1 04-08

Design of Irrigation Systems 1 02-06

Tractor Maintenance 1 10-14

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH METHODS

Practical Application and Interpretation of SPSS 1 03-07

Data Analysis using SAS and SPSS 23-27

Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

1 04-08

Course Fees: P 1 462.50* per week without accomodation P 2 526.75* per week with acoomodation (Standard Sharing)Registration Forms may be collected from BCA at CICE or may be downloaded at www.bca.bw

Contact: Tel: 3650 390/398/451/364/396/397/399/364 Fax: 3927 202

CENTRE fOR IN-SERvICE aNd CONTINuING EduCaTION 2014 TRaINING COuRSES